Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 7 May 2025

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters. 

Weekly Security Sprint EP 110. Disrupted attacks, hurricane preparedness, and cyber reviews

The Gate 15 Security Sprint is a weekly rundown of the week’s notable all-hazards security news, risks and threats and some of the key focus areas for organizations to consider behind the headlines. Gate 15 team members discuss physical security, cybersecurity, natural hazards, health threats and other issues across our environment.

In this week’s Security Sprint Dave and Andy covered the following topics:

• Physical security
• Severe weather
• Cybersecurity

Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found here.

Conflict Prevention Webinar Series

Introduction to Conflict Prevention Techniques and Resources

• Date: May 14, 2025
• Time: 1:30 PM ET
• Register Here

During this 30-minute webinar attendees will receive a brief introduction to CISA’s Conflict Prevention techniques and resources which can be used to enhance the safety and security of people, facilities, and communities by empowering users to prevent incidents of targeted violence.

Conflict Prevention Strategies to Deter Acts of Targeted Violence

• Date: May 28, 2025
• Time: 1:30PM ET
• Register Here

During this 60-minute webinar attendees will become familiar with the principles of conflict prevention and gain a more in-depth understanding of effective de-escalation approaches which can be used to help diffuse a volatile situation.

In first, US Jewish security outfit opens boot camp for volunteer synagogue guards

In response to escalating antisemitic threats, the Community Security Service (CSS), a U.S.-based Jewish security nonprofit, has initiated a specialized training program for volunteer synagogue guards. This program, held at a retreat in rural Pennsylvania, aims to equip synagogue members with the skills necessary to protect their communities from both violent attacks and harassment.

The training includes realistic simulations, such as mock protests and staged attacks, to prepare volunteers for high-pressure situations. Participants learn threat assessment, crowd control, Krav Maga self-defense, and emergency lockdown procedures. The program emphasizes de-escalation and prevention, ensuring that volunteers can maintain safety without escalating tensions.

Since the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, CSS has expanded its reach, now working with over 400 synagogues nationwide, up from 300 prior to the attacks. The organization has trained approximately 4,000 volunteers and is extending its programs to cities like Los Angeles and Miami.

CSS’s approach is rooted in community empowerment, training synagogue members to recognize and respond to threats effectively. This model not only enhances security but also fosters a sense of responsibility and vigilance within the Jewish community.

Analyst Comments: By equipping community members with the skills to protect their own institutions rather than depending entirely on outside law enforcement, CSS promotes a sense of collective responsibility and heightened awareness. This approach aligns with community-driven security models used in other high-risk regions around the world. Personnel training is a key part to any security plan. FB-ISAO encourages members to take advantage of offerings similar to CSS to help raise the individual capacity of their security team members, and thus raising the overall resilience of the entire organization. As a reminder, FB-ISAO will be holding our 2024 Threat Data Review for members starting at 12:00pm ET today.